Wednesday, December 23, 2009

"just keeping it real" winter solstice

We celebrated the winter solstice tonight--a couple days late. This is a "just keeping it real" post because in truth I've been completely uninspired to bake cookies, make meals, or do anything but spend time with my family--that is what I really want to do this holiday. So the solstice tea was a bit different this year. The food here was not homemade by me. We had cookies that were sent to us by my brothers nice girlfriend, a pie our neighbor brought over last night (not a homebaked pie either--it's from Costco!) and some bakery goods we picked up on our lovely mini-vacation to Santa Barbara (more on that in another post). Even though I was uninspired to do my own baking, I felt the tea must go on, and I'm so glad it did. It was maybe even better, with the mommy not stressing out and all.

{our tree}

{the five children all together}

{Rainer has been sick with a cold and his facial rashes are acting up again--but he is so darn cute nonetheless!}

{our solstice bonfire}

Even though feeling uninspired and like our tea was not "blogworthy," I found this little scene in the kitchen that I wanted to capture. While we were enjoying the backyard fire, there was soup warming on the stove and fresh bread baking in the oven. The table was set and ready. I can appreciate these small things, and for that I am grateful.

{soup and bread}

{Faith with Dieter}

The best part was just sitting leisurely at the table and enjoying the family. Isn't that what the holidays are all about anyway?

10 comments:

Well my 2 cents say...whatever works for Mama is whats best for all....the gorgeous smoochy cruisy feeling is worth the effort of 'not cooking' sometimes, chillin and enjoying. Happy Christmas MaryBeth, its been a pleasure 'hangin out' with you in blogland from time to time. Blessings xx

i havent been doing much baking lately either. i think i may have gotten burned out around thanksgiving. even our "big" dinner tomorrow is going to be fairly small---not even a dessert!--i just wasnt feeling it. :)

I have to admit I've missed you reading your posts the last few days. I'm am so glad to hear you are enjoying time with your family. I have also made a better attempt this year to not get caught up in the craziness and stress of the holidays. Thank you for giving me inspiration, a short escape and recommendations (recipes, books, etc.)Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

About Me

Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm wife to Ken, stepmom to Ben, and mom to Jacob and Faith, Dieter and Rainer. I like the domestic scene, salty/sweet combos, recipe reviews, the smell of rosemary, babies, the feeling of having exercised, hand clapping rhymes, books, Friday Night Lights, teacups, and laundry that has been washed, dried, folded and put away.
My Faerie MB blog explores what to wear when you are 40+. But everyone is welcome, of course!